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The latest news and views from Ellis & Co.en-usSun, 07 Jun 2020 08:18:20 GMT(c) Copyright 2020 Ellis & Cohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/images/logo-rss.pngNews & Viewshttp://www.ellis-uk.com/news/
34860Coronavirus support for businesses: full roundupWe are working hard here at Ellis & Co to bring you the latest support available for businesses affected by the Coronavirus. Our Coronavirus news pages are updated daily, but to make it easier we have split our news articles into categories for you. Funding and Grants The Chancellor of The Exchequer unveiled financial measures to help businesses affected by the Coronavirus. Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised ‘£330bn in loanshttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/coronavirus-support-for-businesses-full-roundup/
Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:03:00 GMTTaxable expenses and benefits provided to employees during CoronavirusGuidance on taxable expenses and benefits provided to employees during Coronavirus has been released. Expenses and benefits include transport costs, Employee Car Ownership Schemes (ECOS) and employees working from home. The guidance also includes information on how to report expenses and benefits to HMRC. Click here to view. If you require clarification in any of these areas please contact our tax manager Nick Charnley on 0124https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/taxable-expenses-and-benefits-provided-to-employees-during-coronavirus/
Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:00:00 GMTFlexible furloughingFrom July 1, 2020, businesses will have the flexibility to bring previously furloughed employees back to work part-time – with the government continuing to pay 80% of wages for any of their normal hours they do not work up until the end of August. Businesses can decide the hours and shift patterns that their employees will work on their return and you will be responsible for paying their wages in full while working. This meanshttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/flexible-furloughing/
Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTInformation for farmers, landowners and rural businessesThe Government is planning a phased return to on-farm visits and site inspections. These will begin this week (week commencing June 1) and will be based on business priority, starting with Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship inspections. To ensure they work within the regulations arising from COVID-19, they will adopt a revised approach to inspections, including the use of technology and remote inspections. Thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/information-for-farmers-landowners-and-rural-businesses/
Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:55:00 GMTTax-free childcare and 30 hours free childcare during the PandemicTo help make sure critical workers can continue to access the childcare they need to enable them to work, even if their circumstances have changed during the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Government have made some temporary changes. The changes may affect you if you, or someone you live with, are: on furlough not able to work or you are working less self-employed a critical worker If you are on furlough: If your employer has nohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/tax-free-childcare-and-30-hours-free-childcare-during-the-pandemic/
Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:34:00 GMTChanges to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CIRS)Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme have been announced. Employers will be asked to cover National Insurance and employer pension contributions in August. The Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that the furlough scheme would continue as before in June and July, but employers will be asked to contributions in August. By September, businesses will pay 10% of wages for furloughed staff, and in October 20%. This means the subhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/changes-to-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-cirs/
Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:00:00 GMTSelf-employed get second grant from governmentChancellor Rishi Sunak has said self-employed workers across the UK will be able to access a second Grant from the government to cover lost income while the country is in lockdown. The grants paid out by the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be worth 70% of a self-employed person's average monthly trading profits to cover three months' worth of income. They will be capped at £6,570. The scheme so far has beenhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/06/self-employed-get-second-grant-from-government/
Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMTWebinar - Planning for RecoveryHow will you ensure your business is ready for the recovery? Join Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, NatWest Bank and UK Business Mentoring Group for a live webinar to help your business put its recovery plans in to place. The webinar will be packed full of useful tips and pointers, with free offers of support from templates to complimentary mentoring sessions. “This is a tough time for busineshttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/webinar-planning-for-recovery/
Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTBusinesses to get support through trade credit insurance guaranteeBusinesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government. Trade Credit Insurance provides cover to business to business transactions, particularly in non-service sectors, such as manufacturing and construction. It ensures suppliers selling goods against the company they are selling to defaulting on payment,https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/businesses-to-get-support-through-trade-credit-insurance-guarantee/
Wed, 27 May 2020 16:00:00 GMTTimeline set for retail to reopenThousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure and can show customers will be kept safe. The Prime Minister has set out: Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. As with garden centres, the risk of transmihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/timeline-set-for-retail-to-reopen/
Wed, 27 May 2020 14:00:00 GMTPreparing your business for life after lockdownAs we emerge slowly from lockdown, now is a good time to take stock of things and look ahead to how we can run our businesses with the ‘new normal’ environment we face. What is clear is that some form of social distancing will remain, and many businesses are adopting new ways of working within the rules. The Government has published guidance to assist employers here. Please keep reviewing these guidelines as they change regulahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/preparing-your-business-for-life-after-lockdown/
Wed, 27 May 2020 10:00:00 GMTSSP government calculator openA calculator to claim back Statutory Sick Pay due to Coronavirus is now live on the Government website. The new online service for employers to recover SSP launched yesterday (Tuesday, May 26). The government service will enable small and medium-sized employers to recover SSP payments they have made to their employees. Employers are eligible if they have a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started before 28 February 202https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/ssp-government-calculator-open/
Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTHoliday entitlement and pay for furloughed workersThe majority of workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ worth of paid holiday on an annual basis. There is an exception to this in those who are self-employed. The entitlement remains unchanged regardless of whether an individual is on sick leave, parental leave or any other form of statutory leave. A worker can request holiday at the same time as they are on sick leave but cannot be forced to take holiday while off sick. Workers whttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/holiday-entitlement-and-pay-for-furloughed-workers/
Fri, 22 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTAdvice for the apprenticeship programeSteps are being taken to ensure that, wherever possible, apprentices can continue and complete their apprenticeship, despite any break they need to take as a result of coronavirus. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is offering support to providers during this challenging time. The support they are providing includes: supporting employers, providers, and apprentices to work together to mutually agree where and howhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/advice-for-the-apprenticeship-programe/
Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTWales to receive an additional £64.5 million in fundingWales will receive an additional £64.5 million as a result of UK Government funding allocated to Transport for London earlier this week. The total amount of funding provided by the UK Government to support the effort to tackle the coronavirus in Wales currently stands at over £2.2 billion. This funding is in addition to the UK-wide measures that the people and businesses in Wales can access, such as the Coronavirus Job Retentihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/wales-to-receive-an-additional-645-million-in-funding/
Thu, 21 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus Statutory Sick Pay rebate scheme set to launchA new online service for employers to recover Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be launched on next Tuesday (May 26). The government service will enable small and medium-sized employers to recover SSP payments they have made to their employees. Employers are eligible if they have a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started before 28 February 2020 and they had fewer than 250 employees before the same date. The repayment willhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/coronavirus-statutory-sick-pay-rebate-scheme-set-to-launch/
Tue, 19 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTCircular Economy Fund – businesses in WalesDue to coronavirus, many organisations are facing significant challenges. In response to this WRAP Cymru have implemented changes to the £6.5 million Circular Economy Fund, created to support even more organisations. In addition to funding the use of recycled materials in products, WRAP Cymru is now able to support preparation for re-use, refurbishment, and re-manufacturing activities in Wales. These include the production ofhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/circular-economy-fund-businesses-in-wales/
Mon, 18 May 2020 12:00:00 GMTSelf-employed deferment of second payment on accountThe self-employed can delay making their second payment on account for the 2019 to 2020 tax year. You have the option to defer your second payment on account if you are: registered in the UK for Self-Assessment and finding it difficult to make your second payment on account by 31 July 2020 due to the impact of coronavirus You can still make the payment by 31 July 2020 as normal if you are able to do so. HMRC will not chargehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/self-employed-deferment-of-second-payment-on-account/
Mon, 18 May 2020 10:00:00 GMTSME Economic Resilience Fund UpdateDue to high volume of applications received for the SME Economic Resilience Fund, many businesses in Wales are being contacted to let them know that their applications are being dealt with as quickly as possible. If you have yet to receive communication, please be assured that you will be contacted as soon as possible.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/sme-economic-resilience-fund-update/
Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTNew guidance launched to help get us safely back to workThe Government has published guidance for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely. New ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines are available to UK employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating as safely as possible. The government has consulted approximately 250 stakeholders in preparing the guidance. It has been developed with input from fhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/new-guidance-launched-to-help-get-us-safely-back-to-work/
Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTLunch and Learn: Preparing Your Business for Life after LockdownThe Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme is hosting regular 'lunch and learn' webinars to offer support and advice to local businesses. Each session will focus on a different business topic and be led by a guest expert who will share their knowledge and top tips, then answer some of your questions. Preparing Your Business for Life after Lockdown, delivered by Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advishttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/lunch-and-learn-preparing-your-business-for-life-after-lockdown/
Mon, 11 May 2020 09:00:00 GMTNew funding to support dairy farmers in EnglandEngland’s dairy farmers will be able to access up to £10,000 each to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The new funding will help support dairy farmers – who together continue to produce over 40 million litres of milk every day – who have seen decreased demand for their products as bars, restaurants and cafes have had to close. With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk, the nhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/new-funding-to-support-dairy-farmers-in-england/
Thu, 07 May 2020 10:00:00 GMT£26 Million to help small charities in WalesThe Welsh Government has announced that thousands of small charities within the retail, leisure and hospitality sector will receive a £10,000 business support grant to help them respond to the financial challenges of Covid-19. This new £26 million package will help an additional 2,600 properties with a rateable value of £12,000 or below. This will include: charity run shops sports premises community centres Details on how tohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/26-million-to-help-small-charities-in-wales/
Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTHow to claim through the Self-Employment Income Support SchemeThe Self-Employed Income Support Scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months, and capped at £7,500 altogether. You will get a taxable grant based on your average trading profit over the 3 tax years: 2016 to 2017 2017 to 2018 2018 to 2019 HMRC will work out your average trading profit by adding together your total trading profhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/how-to-claim-through-the-self-employment-income-support-scheme/
Wed, 06 May 2020 14:00:00 GMTTax credits customers will continue to receive payments even if working fewer hoursPeople who cannot work their normal hours because of Coronavirus will still receive their usual tax credits payments. Those working reduced hours due to coronavirus or those being furloughed by their employer will not have their tax credits payments affected if they are still employed or self-employed. These customers do not need to contact HMRC about this change. They will treat customers as working their normal hours until thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/tax-credits-customers-will-continue-to-receive-payments-even-if-working-fewer-hours/
Tue, 05 May 2020 16:00:00 GMTVIDEO: Coronavirus: A look at support available to businesses by James EllisJames Ellis, from Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, runs through the latest business support available to businesses. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this briefing is correct at the time of recording 05/05/2020 This is 1 of 4 support videos made by the team at Ellis & Co: VIDEO: Coronavirus: A look at payroll with Lisa McLeod VIDEO: Coronavirus: A look at tax with Nick Charnley VIDEO: A roundhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/video-coronavirus-a-look-at-support-available-to-businesses-by-james-ellis/
Tue, 05 May 2020 15:00:00 GMTWales’ Economic Resilience Fund has been pausedIn its first week the second phase of the Economic Resilience Fund received almost 9,000 requests for support. Due to the scale of demand, the Welsh Government increased the amount of funding for this phase to £300 million. The Fund is now paused following the very large number of applications to give Welsh Government an opportunity to consider what further support businesses, charities and social enterprises need.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/wales-economic-resilience-fund-has-been-paused/
Tue, 05 May 2020 13:00:00 GMTFurloughed Workers to receive full Parental Leave EntitlementFurloughed workers who are planning to take paid parental or adoption leave will be entitled to pay based on their usual earnings rather than the furloughed rate. What this will mean; Pay for furloughed workers taking family related leave will be calculated based on usual earnings rather than furlough pay Full earnings will apply to Maternity Pay, Paternity Pay, Shared Parental Pay, Parental Bereavement Pay and Adoption Pay Whttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/furloughed-workers-to-receive-full-parental-leave-entitlement/
Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTSelf-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) openThis week (week beginning May 4) HMRC will start contacting self-employed people who are likely to be eligible, through a combination of emails, SMS texts and letters, to tell them what they need to do to get ready to claim. Applications will open in tranches based on the unique taxpayer number (UTR) given to all self-employed taxpayers. From this week, people will be able to use a new online eligibility checker. If the chechttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/self-employment-income-support-scheme-seiss-open/
Mon, 04 May 2020 17:00:00 GMTFurther details on the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)Further details on the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) have been released by HMRC, with a number of changes. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will allow taxpayers to claim a taxable grant of 80% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months, and capped at £7,500 altogether. Key points that have changed since the previous version of the guidance: HMRC guidahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/further-details-on-the-self-employed-income-support-scheme-seiss/
Mon, 04 May 2020 10:00:00 GMTApplications for the Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme openApplications for the Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme are now open. Click here to apply. If you need any help or guidance with your application please do contact your account manager or call the office on 01244 343504.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/05/applications-for-the-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan-scheme-open/
Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co Client case Study: Business Reform Limited (1)An established and successful business has been in even higher demand since the government put the UK into lockdown. Chester based Business Reform Limited provides a unique end to end consultancy, advisory, project services and technology solutions service and is well placed to provide support and advice to businesses through these challenging times. The team specialise in remote working, providing a range of solutions, bespokhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/ellis-and-co-client-case-study-business-reform-limited-1/
Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:35:00 GMTSelf-employed Grant SchemeLike the CJRS scheme for employers the initial HMRC guidance on the grant scheme to support the self-employed and members in partnerships was also very sketchy. In outline the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) allows the self-employed to claim 80% of their average profits for the period up to 2018/19 limited to £2,500 a month, initially for a three-month period. Like CJRS there are lots of conditions that need to behttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/self-employed-grant-scheme/
Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:33:00 GMTChester youngster raises over £1,000 for the NHSA Chester youngster has raised over £1,000 by walking 10 miles whilst in isolation. Nine year-old Bethan Jones, from Newton raised £1,050 for the NHS by walking 250 laps around her garden. “My aunties Clare, Sian and Lel all work for the NHS, they are working really hard so I wanted to help,” said the Mickle Trafford Village School pupil. Bethan’s parents Jude and Bryn, helped Bethan publicise the event, with a video passed amhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/chester-youngster-raises-over-1-000-for-the-nhs/
Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTCapital Gains changes come into forceSignificant changes of the reporting and payment of Capital Gains Tax on residential properties has now come into force. As of April 6, any UK resident who sells a residential property and makes a taxable gain will only have 30 days to report it to HMRC; rather than until the Self-Assessment deadline which previously could result in a period of up to 22 months before having to report the gain and pay the tax due. Any Capital Ghttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/capital-gains-changes-come-into-force/
Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTFinancial Support for Education, Early Years and Children’s Social Care in EnglandThe Government has set out guidance on the financial support available for different types of education, early years and children’s social care providers in England. The guidance details the funding and support for businesses and outlines which options should be used including sector specific guidance for: Early years Children’s social care providers State-funded schools Supply teachers and other contingent workers in state-fhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-children-s-social-care-in-england/
Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMTOnline support for Welsh businessesBusiness Wales has launched a new series of digital courses and webinars, aimed at Welsh SMEs affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The ‘Covid-19 and Your Business’ series covers key topics including: • alternative business models and diversification • cashflow and finance • HR policies and procedures • managing teams and workload remotely • encouraging productivity • nehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/online-support-for-welsh-businesses/
Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTNew Furlough system up and runningThe Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims portal opened on Monday, April 20 and early indications are that it seems to be working smoothly but with a few teething problems as you would expect from a brand-new system. In the run up to the start of the system there was limited detail from HMRC on what could be claimed as the initial guidance was rather sketchy and did not cover all situations. The government also decidehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/new-furlough-system-up-and-running/
Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTFraud and cyber crimeWith more of us than ever working from home and online, the public is being reminded to protect themselves and their businesses from fraudsters and cybercrime. Law enforcement, government and industry are working together to help protect businesses from these criminals, by identifying fraudulent websites, preventing phishing emails, blocking phone numbers and ultimately bringing those responsible to justice. There are simple shttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/fraud-and-cyber-crime/
Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTNew 100% government backed loan scheme for small businessThe Chancellor has announced a new loan scheme for small businesses who can borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, and access the cash ‘within days’. Small businesses will benefit from a new fast-track finance scheme providing loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders Rishi Sunak announced today (Monday, April 24). The new Bounce Back Loans Scheme will be interest free for the first 12 months, and has been set up thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/new-100-government-backed-loan-scheme-for-small-business/
Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus: MOTs due from March 30Your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT expiry date will be extended by six months if it is due on or after March 30, 2020 - but you must keep your vehicle safe to drive. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has confirmed that MOT expiry dates will be extended by 6 months for all MOTs due on or after 30 March 2020. This includes vehicles that are due their first MOT test and applies to cars, motorcycles, light vans, and othttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-mots-due-from-march-30/
Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:00:00 GMTNew measures to protect UK high streetThe Government is to introduce temporary new measures to safeguard the UK high street against aggressive debt recovery actions during the coronavirus pandemic. Business Secretary Alok Sharma asked for landlords and investors to work collaboratively with high street businesses unable to pay their bills during COVID-19 pandemic. He said the majority of landlords and tenants are working well together to reach agreements on debt ohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/new-measures-to-protect-uk-high-street/
Fri, 24 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTUK government provides extra £95m to tackle Coronavirus in WalesThe UK Government has committed a further £95m to support the devolved administration in Wales tackle coronavirus, the Local Government Secretary has announced. As a result of the UK Government’s funding boost for councils across England announced by Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick, the devolved administration in Wales will receive an additional £95 million. This takes the total given by the UK Government to supporthttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/uk-government-provides-extra-95m-to-tackle-coronavirus-in-wales/
Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:34:00 GMTUpdated guidance for UK businesses trading internationallyThe Government has updated its guidance for UK businesses trading internationally with a new section on PPE support. The Department of Health and Social Care have published guidance outlining the PPE export control process. The guidance is aimed at economic operators, including manufacturers and distributors, wishing to export PPE goods to a destination outside of the EU, EFTA, or certain dependent and other territories. For fhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/updated-guidance-for-uk-businesses-trading-internationally/
Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:41:00 GMTEligibility support checker for businesses in WalesBusiness Wales have now put an eligibility support checker on their web site so that Welsh businesses can see what they may be entitled to claim. The COVID-19 Business Support Eligibility Checker will take you through what support is available for your specific type of business, and there are useful resources available in the FAQ and Useful Resources section to simply identify what type of support is available. The packages ofhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/eligibility-support-checker-for-businesses-in-wales/
Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTFurlough Scheme extended to the end of JuneThe Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended by one month to reflect continuing social distancing measures. Following on from the recent Government announcement to keep the social distancing measures in place, Rishi Sunak said the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) would now be open until the end of June – providing businesses with the certainty they need. The scheme, which allows firms to furlough employees with the govhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/furlough-scheme-extended-to-the-end-of-june/
Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:30:00 GMTThe coronavirus large business interruption loan scheme (CLBILS) updateCLBILS is a new scheme brought in by the Government on Monday, April 20 that sits above the existing CBILS scheme for medium and larger sized businesses. Similar to CBILS, the scheme is designed to support business across the UK which have been impacted by Covid-19. The key differences from CBILS are shown below: Note: Since the original announcement of the CLBILS scheme the government increased the amount of finance availabhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/the-coronavirus-large-business-interruption-loan-scheme-clbils-update/
Wed, 22 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTLoan scheme expanded to cover large businessesThe final details of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme have been announced. The UK government-backed loan scheme for large businesses affected by Coronavirus has been expanded to cover all viable firms. Business with turnovers of more than £500 million were originally not eligible for the scheme, which is being set up to help firms who do not qualify for the existing Coronavirus Business Interruption Loanhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/loan-scheme-expanded-to-cover-large-businesses/
Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:40:00 GMTGovernment launches new Coronavirus business support finder toolThe Government has launched a new ‘support finder’ tool will help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic. The Support finder contains a new online platform helps businesses easily access the financial support they are eligible for during the coronavirus pandemic and a simple questionnaire takes business ownershttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/government-launches-new-coronavirus-business-support-finder-tool/
Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTFuture FundThe Government has announced a £500m “Future Fund” to provide UK-based Innovative Companies with between £125,000 and £5m from the government if the cash is at least matched by private investors. The loans will convert to equity stakes — valued at a discount — if not repaid. This scheme will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the Pandemihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/future-fund/
Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTEllis & Co team release support videos for businessesThe team at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers have produced videos to explain the support available to businesses affected by Coronavirus. “This is a very worrying time for businesses, our clients are, quite rightly, asking questions regarding the Government’s plans and support for businesses in light of the Coronavirus,” said Robert Ellis, director of Ellis & Co. “With that in mind we decided to phttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/ellis-and-co-team-release-support-videos-for-businesses/
Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:18:00 GMTHow to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. A step by step guide for employerHow to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. A step by step guide for employer. Download the guide from our Resource Centre here. If we carry out your payroll duties we can apply on your behalf. Please call 01244 343504 for further information.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/how-to-apply-for-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-a-step-by-step-guide-for-employer/
Mon, 20 Apr 2020 09:32:00 GMTVIDEO: Coronavirus: A look at payroll with Lisa McLeodLisa McLeod, payroll manager at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers takes a look at the changes in payroll and the support available. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this briefing is correct at the time of recording 17/04/2020 This is 1 of 3 support videos made by the team at Ellis & Co. VIDEO: A look at how Coronavirus is affecting the department of tax with Nick Charnley VIDEO: A roundup of supporhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/video-coronavirus-a-look-at-payroll-with-lisa-mcleod/
Fri, 17 Apr 2020 10:00:00 GMTThe Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) updateCBILS is a scheme introduced by the UK Government to provide finance to small and medium sized businesses which have been impacted by Covid-19. The scheme covers different finance products (term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance) and are covered by an 80% government guarantee. CBILS was initially announced in the budget on 11 March 2020 and updated in a separate announcement on 3 April 2020. The first few wehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/the-coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils-update/
Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTVIDEO: Coronavirus: A look at tax with Nick CharnleyNick Charley, tax manager at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers takes a look at the support available for businesses surrounding his department of tax. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this briefing is correct at the time of recording 14/04/2020 This is 1 of 3 support videos made by the team at Ellis & Co: Video: A roundup of support available to businesses by Robert Ellis Video: Coronavirus: A lohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/video-coronavirus-a-look-at-tax-with-nick-charnley/
Thu, 16 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTDelaying import duty/VAT paymentsMany businesses that import goods into the UK from outside the EU operate deferment accounts, which allow payment of import VAT and duty to be delayed for 15 days after the month in which the goods are brought into the country. HMRC requires such accounts to be supported by a bank or insurance company guarantee. As payments to settle deferment accounts are not covered by the general deferral of VAT payments until 30 June, impohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/delaying-import-dutyvat-payments/
Wed, 15 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – help to access fundingThe Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides financial support to smaller businesses across the UK that are losing revenue, and seeing their cashflow disrupted, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Scheme enables businesses with annual turnover of up to £45m to access loans, overdrafts and other finance of up to £5m. The Government will make a ‘Business Interruption Payment’ to cover the first 12 monhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils-help-to-access-funding/
Tue, 14 Apr 2020 20:00:00 GMTA roundup of support available to businesses by Robert EllisRobert Ellis, director of Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers gives a roundup of support available to businesses affected by the Coronavirus. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this briefing is correct at the time of recording 12/04/2020 This is 1 of 3 support videos made by the team at Ellis & Co: VIDEO: Coronavirus: A look at tax with Nick Charnley Video: Coronavirus: A look at payroll with Lisa Mhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/a-roundup-of-support-available-to-businesses-by-robert-ellis/
Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:00:00 GMTIs your business eligible for support from the new Economic Resilience Fund?The new Economic Resilience Fund will provide additional financial support during the coronavirus pandemic and will help organisations in Wales to manage cash flow pressures. The fund will help to ‘address some of the gaps’ not met by schemes already announced by the UK Government, Welsh Government and Development Bank of Wales. To be eligible for this second phase of support, businesses, charities and social enterprises, musthttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/is-your-business-eligible-for-support-from-the-new-economic-resilience-fund/
Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTSupport to exporters and inventorsThe Department for International Trade has outlined support available to 160,000 exporters and UK businesses are now eligible to secure export insurance cover to major international markets. Guidance on how to help secure export finance to keep trading during the coronavirus outbreak has been set out by government in direct communication to 160,000 exporters and investors. As well as advice on what financial support is availahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/support-to-exporters-and-inventors/
Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:00:00 GMTDevelopment Bank of Wales Loan Scheme fully subscribed in first weekThe latest £100 million scheme was launched by the First Minister on March 30, as part of the Welsh Government’s £500 million Economic Resilience Fund to support businesses in handling with COVID-19 outbreak. The first loans were approved within three days of the fund launch, with the first of these loans reaching applicants by the end of last week. The Development Bank, which manages the scheme, are ensuring approved funds rehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/development-bank-of-wales-loan-scheme-fully-subscribed-in-first-week/
Thu, 09 Apr 2020 14:34:00 GMTCash grants for frontline charitiesCharities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak, tens of thousands of charities will benefit from direct cash grants to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the virus as well as continuing their day-to-day activities supporting those in need. Highlights: £750 million available for frontline charities across thehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/cash-grants-for-frontline-charities/
Thu, 09 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT£150 million grant support reaching businesses in WalesAround 11,000 firms in Wales have received funding which will be crucial for helping them deal with the impact of coronavirus. More businesses are to receive emergency COVID-19 grants through their local authorities, distributing the funding on behalf of the Welsh Government. Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Wales occupying properties with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000 are to receive a grant of £https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/150-million-grant-support-reaching-businesses-in-wales/
Wed, 08 Apr 2020 16:00:00 GMTSupport for nursery businesses that pay business rates (England)The Government is introducing a business rates holiday for nurseries in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. Nurseries are eligible for the business rates holiday if: The business is based in England Properties that will benefit from the relief will be: occupied by providers on Ofsted’s Early Years Register wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage How to access the scheme: There is no ihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/support-for-nursery-businesses-that-pay-business-rates-england/
Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMTIncrease in Working Tax CreditsHouseholds claiming Working Tax Clients could be receiving an extra £20 per week. The government has announced that Working Tax Credits payments will be increased from 6 April 2020. As part of a number of measures to support the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, the basic element of Working Tax Credit has been increased by £1,045 to £3,040 from 6 April 2020 until 5 April 2021. The amount a claimant or household will benefihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/increase-in-working-tax-credits/
Tue, 07 Apr 2020 17:00:00 GMTHow to claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)The Government recently provided more details on how the CJRS works. Please note the online service you will use to claim is not open yet – we will let you know when it is. We have the capability to calculate and submit your CJRS Claim so please let us know if we can help. Overview of the scheme The principle behind the CJRS is that If you cannot maintain your current workforce because your operations have been severely affecthttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/how-to-claim-for-your-employees-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-cjrs/
Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTHM Treasury announces further action to support businessesHM Treasury has announced the Chancellor Rishi Sunak is taking further action to support firms affected by the coronavirus crisis by bolstering business interruption loans for small businesses and announcing a new scheme for larger companies. The Chancellor states: £90 million of business interruption loans approved for nearly 1,000 firms and £1.9 billion corporate finance provided to firms hit by COVID-19 current loan schemehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/hm-treasury-announces-further-action-to-support-businesses/
Fri, 03 Apr 2020 13:00:00 GMTDebt management collection suspendedThe Department of Work and Pension (DWP) has suspended all debt management collection for a ‘temporary period’. Payroll departments are now being advised to suspend all Direct Earning Attachment Orders (DEAs). Any debt relating to the overpayment of benefits, tax credits and social funds will not be collected and no new notices will be issued. For further information on this or any other payroll matter contact Lisa McLeod,https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/debt-management-collection-suspended/
Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMTLocal authorities in England receive more than £12 billionCouncils across England have received more than £12 billion from the government to help businesses. Business Secretary Alok Sharma made the announcment during the government's daily press briefing yesterday (April 1). “From today businesses will start benefiting from £22 billion in the form of business rates relief. And grants of up to £25,000 which are being paid into the bank accounts of the smallest high street firms,” saidhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/local-authorities-in-england-receive-more-than-12-billion/
Thu, 02 Apr 2020 11:00:00 GMTRelaxation of financial solvency rulesThe government plans to introduce emergency changes to overhaul insolvency laws and give ‘breathing space’ to companies hit by the coronavirus crisis, Alok Sharma, the business secretary has announced, in a move to help prevent mass failures. Laws that make it illegal for a business to trade when it is insolvent are set to be suspended. The decision means companies and individuals that cannot meet their debts because of the cohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/04/relaxation-of-financial-solvency-rules/
Thu, 02 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMTNew £500 million economic resilience fund launched for walesThe £500m fund will support firms of all sizes, which include social enterprises, with a focus on those which have not already benefited from coronavirus grants. The Economic Resilience Fund aims to improve areas in support schemes that have been already announced by the UK Government; the Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, which will guarantee 80% of people’s wages and income. The new £500 millihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/new-500-million-economic-resilience-fund-launched-for-wales/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:00:00 GMTSmall Business Grant FundThe Government is providing additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs. You will be eligible if: 1. Your business is based in England* AND 2. In receipt of smahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/small-business-grant-fund/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:00:00 GMTSSP reclaim for small businessesIf you are a small or medium-sized business, you may be entitled to reclaim the costs of SSP for sickness absence due to COVID-19. This refund will cover up to two weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who are either ill or been told to self-isolate because of COVID-19. Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be eligible. The size of an employer will be determined by the number of people they employed as of 28 February 2020. Ehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/ssp-reclaim-for-small-businesses/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:00:00 GMTCash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and LeisureIf your business is in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector, you will receive a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property. Businesses in these sectors with a property that has a rateable value of £15,000 and under may be eligible for a grant of £10,000. Businesses in these sectors with a property that has a rateable value of over £15,000 and less than £51,000 may be eligible for a grant of £25,000. You will be eligible if:https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/cash-grant-for-retail-hospitality-and-leisure/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:00:00 GMTBusiness rates reliefThe Government is introducing a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. Similar schemes will be introduced in Wales and Scotland. Businesses that received the retail discount in the 2019 to 2020 tax year will be rebilled by their local authority as soon as possible. You are eligible for the business rates holiday if: your business is based in England yourhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/business-rates-relief/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:24:00 GMTStatutory Sick PayStatutory sick pay (SSP) is normally payable from the fourth day of absence, however if you are self-isolating because of COVID-19 from 13 March, you can now claim SSP from day 1. This includes individuals who are caring for people self-isolating in the same household and are in quarantine. The rate of SSP is currently £94.25 per week and it is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks. From Friday 20 March onwards, those who havehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/statutory-sick-pay/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:00:00 GMTLatest guidance for landlords and tenantsThe government has released information relating to renting and the Coronavirus. Guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors can be found here.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/latest-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 10:00:00 GMTCarrying over annual leaveRules on carrying over annual leave are to be relaxed to support key industries during Coronavirus. The measures introduced by Business Secretary Alok Sharma allow those who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to COVID-19 will be able to carry it over into the next two leave years. The new regulations will allow up to four weeks of unused leave to be carried over. The changes have been brought inhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/carrying-over-annual-leave/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:00:00 GMTBusinesses trading internationallyThe Department for International Trade (DIT) has issued guidance for UK Businesses trading internationally. This advice is for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad and have been impacted by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It includes: DIT support for UK business trading internationally financial support for business trading internationally DIT can support businesses by: providing assistance whttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/businesses-trading-internationally/
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 10:25:00 GMTDeferring VAT And Income Tax PaymentsDeferring VAT If you’re a UK VAT registered business and have a VAT payment due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020, you have the option to: - defer the payment until a later date - pay the VAT due as normal HMRC will not charge interest or penalties on any amount deferred due to Coronavirus. Note that the VAT return should be submitted as usual, but the payment can be deferred. If you choose to defer thehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/deferring-vat-and-income-tax-payments/
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:34:00 GMTBusiness closures, who should be closed?On 23 March the government stepped up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. A list of those businesses who now should be closed can be found here. Takeaway and delivery services may remain open and operational, in line with the guidance below. Online retail is still open and encouraged and postal and delivery service will run as normal. Employers who have people in their offices or onsite should ensurehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/business-closures-who-should-be-closed/
Mon, 30 Mar 2020 09:21:00 GMTCoronavirus Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (CSEISS)Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced measures to support the self-employed and partnerships. The scheme is called the Coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme (CSEISS). If you have suffered a loss in income, a taxable grant will be paid to the self-employed or partnerships, worth 80% of profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Initially, this will be available for three months in one lump-sum payment and will start tohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-self-employment-income-support-scheme-cseiss/
Fri, 27 Mar 2020 09:00:00 GMTSee if you are covered by the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeNot sure wether or not you are covered by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme?Find out if your employer is eligible and how much they can claim here.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/see-if-you-are-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme/
Fri, 27 Mar 2020 08:00:00 GMTDeferral of Self-Assessment paymentAny Self-Assessment payment due by 31 July 2020, may now be deferred until January 2021. The deferment is intended to assist self-assessment taxpayers, including those who are self-employed, who are suffering as a result of the Coronavirus. The deferral is optional, so those who are able to make the payment on 31 July, 2020 should do so. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged if you decide to defer your paymhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/deferral-of-self-assessment-payment/
Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:00:00 GMTCoronavirus Job Retention SchemeUnder the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. This applies to employees who have been asked to stop working, but who are being kept on the payroll, otherwise described as “furloughed workers”. HMRC will reimburse 80% of their wages, up to £2,50https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme/
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:00:00 GMTCompanies to receive 3-month extension period to file accounts during covid-19From today (25 March 2020), businesses will be able to apply for a 3-month extension for filing their accounts. This joint initiative between the government and Companies House will mean businesses can prioritise managing the impact of Coronavirus. As part of the agreed measures, while companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues around COVID-19 will be automatically and immedhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/companies-to-receive-3-month-extension-period-to-file-accounts-during-covid-19/
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:00:00 GMTSupport for businesses who are paying sick pay (SSP) to employeesSupport is available for small and medium sized businesses who are paying sick pay (SSP) to their employees. This refund will cover up to two weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been off work because of COVID-19. Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be eligible; the size of an employer will be determined by the number of people they employed as of 28 February 2020. Employers will be able to reclaim expenditure forhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/support-for-businesses-who-are-paying-sick-pay-ssp-to-employees/
Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:00:00 GMTGOV.UK guidance on business closuresFollowing on from the Prime Minister's address to the country on March 23, a detailed list of the businesses required to close has been released. Full details can be found here.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/govuk-guidance-on-business-closures/
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe coronavirus business interruption loan scheme (cbils)CBILS is a new scheme, announced by The Chancellor at Budget 2020, that can provide facilities of up to £5m for smaller businesses across the UK who are experiencing lost or deferred revenues, leading to disruptions to their cashflow. CBILS supports a wide range of business finance products, including term loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance. The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed guarantee pohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/the-coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/
Mon, 23 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus latest: Isolation noteEmployees do not need to provide a GP fit note to be absent from work with Coronavirus symptoms. However, employers must maintain records of staff absence and payment of SSP. "If an employer requires evidence from their employee who is in isolation, the employee can download an isolation note which is available on the NHS website," said Lisa Mcleod, payroll manager at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Adviserhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-latest-isolation-note/
Sat, 21 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus latest: VAT break, business loan scheme and self-assessmentsBusinesses across the UK will pay no VAT from now until June 2020. The Chancellor Rishi Sunak made a number of announcements for businesses during his speech this evening (March 20). Mr Sunak announced the deadline for self-assessment of taxes would be extended to January 2021. And the governments Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme would now be interest free for 12 months, and not 6 months as previously announced.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-latest-vat-break-business-loan-scheme-and-self-assessments/
Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus latest: Government to step in and pay people’s wagesThe Chancellor has announced (March 20) that the government will pay 80% of wages for employees not working. The figure paid will be up to £2,500 a month. "Today I can announce that for the first time in our history the government is going to step in and pay people's wages," said Rishi Sunak, who called the measures ‘unprecedented’. "Let me speak directly to businesses: I know it's incredibly difficult out there - we in governhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-latest-government-to-step-in-and-pay-people-s-wages/
Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus: Current updates for businessesSupport for businesses who are paying sick pay to employees The Government will pass legislation shortly to allow small and medium-sized businesses and employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19. The eligibility criteria for the scheme will be as follows: this refund will cover up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been off work because of COVID-19 employers with fewer thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-current-updates-for-businesses/
Thu, 19 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTChanges to IR35 delayedChanges to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) have been delayed for 12 months. The changes, which were due to come into force from April 6, 2020, have been postponed due to the outbreak of Coronavirus. IR35 rules apply for workers who provide a service to a business, but aren’t actually employed by that business, for example directors of contractor-style limited companies. Providing services through an intermediary, the worhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/changes-to-ir35-delayed/
Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTCoronavirus: Government pledge funding grants for businessesThe Chancellor of The Exchequer has unveiled financial measures to help businesses affected by the Coronavirus. Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised ‘£330bn in loans, £20bn in other aid, a business rates holiday and grants for retailers and pubs’. As well as funding grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 for small businesses, and a three-month mortgage holiday by mortgage lenders. “…any business who needs access to cash to pay theirhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-government-pledge-funding-grants-for-businesses/
Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTThe Budget 2020: A Special ReportIntroduction So was it the Coronavirus Budget, or the Infrastructure Budget? Or was it, as the Chancellor declared at the end of his speech, the ‘people’s Budget from a people’s government?’ It was certainly a Budget that was high on spending commitments and one that the Chancellor declared would ‘get things done.’ Now where have we heard that before..? Almost three months to the day after the General Election, new Chancellorhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/the-budget-2020-a-special-report/
Thu, 12 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTFinalists announced for High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise AwardsThe cream of the county’s business community has been unveiled, with the announcement of the finalists for the annual High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards. The awards offer thousands of pounds worth of prizes, as well as access to a network of support across Cheshire and a promotional opportunity for local businesses. The winners will be announced at a presentation evening on March 26 at Chester Racecourse. The event wilhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/finalists-announced-for-high-sheriff-of-cheshire-enterprise-awards/
Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co gains silver status!Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has been awarded silver status by accountancy software provider FreeAgent. FreeAgent is an award winning accounting software, designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses, freelancers and contractors. "Well done to Ellis & Co for reaching Silver Partner Status with FreeAgent Accounting Software,” said Danielle Lennox, business development manager athttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/03/ellis-and-co-gains-silver-status/
Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMTCapital Gains changesA significant change of the reporting and payment of Capital Gains Tax on private residences is coming this April (2020). As of April 6, any UK resident who sells a residential property and makes a taxable gain will only have 30 days to report it to HMRC; rather than until the Self-Assessment deadline which previously could result in a period of up to 22 months before having to report the gain and pay the tax due. Any Capitalhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/capital-gains-changes/
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTMeet our new payroll managerEllis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has welcomed a new member of staff to its Chester office. Lisa McLeod, has joined the team on Northgate Street, as payroll manager. Forty one year-old Lisa has worked in the world of payroll since 1996, and is currently studying for a CIPP in payroll management. Lisa will be responsible for processing all aspects of payroll; administering the auto enrolment pension schhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/meet-our-new-payroll-manager/
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants reveal its charity of the yearA Chester accountancy practice has pledged its support to a local hospice for the year ahead. Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has chosen to support the Hospice of the Good Shepherd for the year 2020. The Hospice, based in Backford, provides support to patients and their families living with a life limiting illness. The Hospice provides specialist palliative care in a 10 bedded in patient ward, as wehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/chester-accountants-reveal-its-charity-of-the-year/
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTParental Bereavement LeaveA new entitlement to Parental Bereavement Leave and pay is set to be introduced in April 2020. Parents who lose a child or suffer a stillbirth will be entitled to take two weeks off work, with statutory pay. Subject to Parliamentary agreement, the leave will apply to deaths or stillbirths on or after April 6, 2020. The bereavement leave was first implemented by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in Janhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/parental-bereavement-leave/
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTOver 30 million tax payers to benefit from tax cutAround 31 million taxpayers will benefit from a tax cut this April. National Insurance Contributions (NIC) thresholds will rise to £9,500 per year as of April 6, 2020. The changes will result in a ‘typical employee’ will pay around £104 less in 2020-2021, while self-employed people, who pay a lower rate, will pay £78 less. HM Revenue & Customs announced that all other thresholds will rise with inflation, except for the upphttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/over-30-million-tax-payers-to-benefit-from-tax-cut/
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTNational Minimum and National Living Wage to increaseBoth the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage will increase on April 1, 2020. The National Living Wage, which is the statutory minimum for workers aged 25 and over, will increase by 6.2% to £8.72 per hour. National Minimum Wage rates for younger workers will also increase above inflation. As the minimum wage increases more employers than ever will be directly affected, including some of those who currently pay abovehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/national-minimum-and-national-living-wage-to-increase/
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTAre you prepared for the changes to IR35?Changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) will come into force from April 6, 2020. IR35 rules apply for workers who provide a service to a business, but aren’t actually employed by that business, for example directors of contractor-style limited companies. Providing services through an intermediary, the worker will have his/her own personal service company / business. The IR35 rules ensure that the worker providing a sehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/02/are-you-prepared-for-the-changes-to-ir35/
Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMTD-day for tax returns!Tomorrow, Friday January 31, is the deadline for sending 2018-19 Self-Assessment tax returns. If tax returns aren’t submitted by 11.59pm on January 31, HMRC will impose a £100 penalty – even if the person doesn’t owe any tax. More than 11 million tax returns are due tomorrow, but figures from HMRC show that half of taxpayers had filed their returns by December 31 with 34,488 returns filed on New Year’s Eve and 17,080 returns fhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/d-day-for-tax-returns/
Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTDon’t miss out on tax-free childcareDid you know that working parents could get up to £2,000 to help with childcare costs? The government led childcare scheme helps working parents (and self-employed) with childcare costs. Tax-Free Childcare will cut childcare costs by up to £2,000 per year for each child under 12 years old, or £4,000 per year for disabled children under 17 years old.* The scheme, which has been designed to replace the Childcare Vouchers Scheme,https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/don-t-miss-out-on-tax-free-childcare/
Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTMeet our new tax managerEllis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has welcomed a new member of staff to its Chester office. Nick Charnley joins the team, based on Northgate Street, as tax manager. Thirty five year-old Nick, has over 15 years’ experience in tax advisory roles, most recently as a senior tax advisor with a contractor specialist accounts firm. Nick will be responsible for the provision of personal and corporation tax advhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/meet-our-new-tax-manager/
Thu, 30 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT“My mother-in-law is a witch and put a curse on me”Only eight days to go until the deadline for sending 2018-19 self-assessment tax returns. Not only is Friday, January 31 the final day for completing tax returns online, it is also the day HMRC begin to receive unusual excuses from people who failed to complete their returns on time. To mark the new decade, HMRC has released some of the most ‘imaginative’ excuses for missing the deadline they have received over the last 10 yeahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/my-mother-in-law-is-a-witch-and-put-a-curse-on-me/
Thu, 23 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTPodium success for Chester’s skating accountantEllis & Co’s very own skating star is celebrating after winning another international competition. Alice Williamson successfully competed in the Inaugural Britannia Cup held in Nottingham; which saw 75 teams take part, in 13 categories over three days from January 11 – January 13, 2020. Trainee accountant Alice competed with two teams, the Whizz Kids, who won their category and the Bladerunners, who came second in theirhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/podium-success-for-chester-s-skating-accountant/
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTHMRC warning to students over bogus refundsHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning students not to fall victim of scammers. Fake tax refund emails are ‘often’ sent to students’ university email addresses, ending with @ac.uk HMRC is reminding the public that: we “will never tell you about a tax refund via a link or web address.” The safest way to claim a refund is to log into your Personal Tax Accounthttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/hmrc-warning-to-students-over-bogus-refunds/
Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTNew bank feeds now live on XeroXero customers using direct Barclays or Yodlee feeds need to update their settings by February 10, 2020. Customers must switch to the new Barclays and Barclaycard direct bank feeds to ensure transactions continue. Direct Barclays and Yodlee feeds will no longer import transactions into Xero after February 10, 2020. The industry-wide change comes thanks to the introduction of Open Banking regulations, which means third party bahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/new-bank-feeds-now-live-on-xero/
Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTTick tock, tick tock…The clock is ticking, the deadline for filing your Tax Returns is looming. Be sure not to miss the deadline date of Friday, January 31, 2020 or you could be joining millions of others in the UK and incur an automatic fine of £100. Failing to file your tax return on time will cost you £100, you will pay more the later it gets. You will also receive a fine if you fail to pay your tax bill on time. The penalties for late tax rethttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/tick-tock-tick-tock/
Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTJoin us for the first women’s networking event of 2020West Cheshire Women’s Network will hold its first event of 2020 on Thursday, March 26. Founded in 2013, the women’s network provides an opportunity for businesswomen to come together. Co-hosted by Natwest PLC, Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Cheshire West and Chester Council; the group meet four times a year with a different guest speaker at evhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2020/01/join-us-for-the-first-women-s-networking-event-of-2020/
Mon, 06 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co Christmas opening hoursWe will close for the Christmas period on Tuesday, December 24 at 12 noon. We will re-open on Thursday, January 2 at 9am. Ellis & Co would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and the very best for the New Year. The team look forward to seeing you all in 2020!https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/12/ellis-and-co-christmas-opening-hours/
Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT2019: A Review by Robert EllisThink back a year… Theresa May was in Number 10, there was a new addition to the Royal Family and Brexit negotiations were (still) underway. It’s been a busy 12 months, and it’s been a busy year in the world of accounting too. Robert Ellis, Director of Ellis & Co, takes us on a whistle stop tour of the year that was 2019. In 1989 I put into practice my belief that chartered accountants should work in close partnership withhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/12/2019-a-review-by-robert-ellis/
Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTWill you be submitting you tax return this Christmas?Will you be joining thousands of people across the UK by submitting your tax return this Christmas? Last year's figures shown that more than 2,000 people sent their tax returns on Christmas Day.* Tax Returns must be filed with HMRC by January 31, 2020, if not there is an immediate £100 penalty, and additional penalties will be imposed for further delays. The penalties for late tax returns are: 1 day late an initial £100 fixedhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/12/will-you-be-submitting-you-tax-return-this-christmas/
Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTAccountants pull on their jolly jumpers!The team at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers took part in the Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s Jolly Jumper Day. The staff at the firm’s Chester branch donned festive jumpers to raise much needed funds for the hospice.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/12/accountants-pull-on-their-jolly-jumpers/
Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTDetection company awarded business of the yearA local company that provides detection dogs to the UK Border Force has been named as Business of the Year. North Wales based Wagtail UK, who are specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training, were awarded during this year’s West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber Recognition Awards. Established in 2003, Wagtail UK Ltd provides detection dogs and related services for government agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs,https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/12/detection-company-awarded-business-of-the-year/
Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMTElectric cars in high demandThe number of orders for pure electric cars has increased since the new benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rates were announced. The Government announced that company car drivers, driving a pure electric vehicle, will pay no company car tax in 2020-2021. UK leasing firms have reported a surge in orders of electric cars since the BIK announcement back in July 2019. The key decisions were: for cars first registered from April 6, 2020, mhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/11/electric-cars-in-high-demand/
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTCorporation Tax drop postponedA reduction in Corporation Tax planned for April next year has been postponed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the reduction scheduled for April 1, 2020 will now be put on hold. The Corporation Tax main rate is currently set at 19%; with plans to drop it to 17%, however this will now remain at 19%. Mr Johnson told business leaders the £6bn saved from this cut will go into public services instead. Corporation Tax must behttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/11/corporation-tax-drop-postponed/
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTRecognition award for Chester business ownerA Chester business owner has been recognised for his contribution to the business community. Robert Ellis, director of Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers received a special recognition award during the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Ball & Recognition Awards. The awards, held on Friday, November 15 at the Chester Racecourse, saw over 300 guests celebrate the success ofhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/11/recognition-award-for-chester-business-owner/
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co client case study: Ringwood Fencing LtdFrom its humble beginnings in a small shed on a farm, a Tarvin based business has grown into one of the leading fencing suppliers and installers in the North West. Established in 1990 Ringwood Fencing Ltd supplies, manufactures and installs a vast array of fencing and gates. It was in 1994 that Ringwood relocated to its new site in Tarvin, Cheshire, which is home to a workshop, warehouse, showroom and retail superstore. Todahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/11/ellis-and-co-client-case-study-ringwood-fencing-ltd/
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants welcome new employee to the teamEllis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has welcomed a new member of staff to its Chester office. Leon Stowell, has joined the team on Northgate Street, as a trainee accountant. Twenty seven year-old Leon, who lives in Ellesmere Port, will be responsible for the preparation of sole trader, partnership and limited accounts as well as the preparation of both personal tax and corporation tax returns. “My firsthttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/11/chester-accountants-welcome-new-employee-to-the-team/
Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMTRe-enrolment and re-declaration – do you know your date?Under the Pensions Act 2008, every UK employer must provide a pension scheme for their employees and contribute towards it. It is compulsory for all employers to automatically enrol their employees into a pension scheme, even if they have one employee. Three years after auto-enrolment, employers will have to re-enrol employees back into the scheme, including those employees who opted out – this is called re-enrolment. Employerhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/10/re-enrolment-and-re-declaration-do-you-know-your-date/
Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTAre you one of the best businesses in Cheshire?The High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise 2019/20, Cheshire’s most prestigious business awards, are now open for entries. The Awards offer thousands of pounds worth of prizes, as well as access to a network of support across Cheshire and a promotional opportunity for local businesses. The winners will be announced at a presentation evening on March 26, 2020, in the stunning surroundings of Chester Racecourse. The closing date fhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/10/are-you-one-of-the-best-businesses-in-cheshire/
Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTStamp Duty Land TaxIf you buy a property or land over a certain price in England and Northern Ireland you must pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Property transactions in Scotland are subject to Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT); and property transactions in Wales are subject to Land Transaction Tax (LTT). The rates apply to the portion of the total value which falls within each band. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) Consideration (£) Ratehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/10/stamp-duty-land-tax/
Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co client case study: Town RoofingTown Roofing is a family run business, which has been servicing the roofs of Chester, The Wirral and North Wales for over 35 years. Run by husband and wife team Chris and Vicki Dodd, Town Roofing specialises in all aspects of roofing work from new roofs to fascia’s, leadwork to roofing repairs. “We’ve been in the industry a long time so we pride ourselves on our craftsmanship, materials and customers service,” said Vicki, direhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/10/ellis-and-co-client-case-study-town-roofing/
Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTDare we mention the C word…Did you know your staff Christmas party qualifies as a tax-free benefit? There is an exemption from tax, National Insurance and reporting if you provide a party or similar function for employees as long as it meets the following three conditions: £150 or less per head annual, such as a Christmas party or summer barbecue open to all your employees When it comes to giving your staff a ‘little extra’ at Christmas you must reporhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/10/dare-we-mention-the-c-word/
Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTDate announced for the Budget 2019The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced the Budget will take place on Wednesday, November 6. It is understood that in the event of a no deal Brexit there will be an ‘economic statement’, followed by a Budget in the ‘weeks thereafter’. “This will be the first Budget after leaving the EU,” said The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid. “I will be setting out our plan to shape the economy for the future and triggering thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/10/date-announced-for-the-budget-2019/
Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co client case study: Bromley’s BarbershopNestled in the city centre of Chester is a 1950s style barbershop offering a ‘sanctuary’ to those who visit. Since opening its doors in 2012 Bromley’s Barbershop has been styling the men of Chester, without the hefty price tag. Owner Paul Bromley, who picked up his first pair of scissors 26 years ago, has previously worked in London and Melbourne, Australia before settling in Chester which he calls the ‘best city in the UK.’ Thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/ellis-and-co-client-case-study-bromley-s-barbershop/
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTChanges to VAT for the construction industry delayedMajor changes to the way VAT is collected within the UK construction sector have been delayed until next year. The domestic reverse charge, also known as the reverse charge, will require the customer receiving the service to pay the VAT to HMRC, rather than the supplier. The changes will now come into effect on October 1, 2020, and not next month as planned in order to give businesses ‘more time to prepare’. “Industry represenhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/changes-to-vat-for-the-construction-industry-delayed/
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTIs your business Brexit ready?If your business buys, or sells, from EU countries (even if once a year), you will be affected by new import and export arrangements coming into force next month. The UK will leave the EU on October 31, 2019 and if you are a VAT registered business and trade with the EU you will be affected. HMRC is currently contacting all businesses that trade with the EU, those businesses should now have an Economic Operator Registration anhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/is-your-business-brexit-ready/
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants keep local football team on the fieldA Chester football team is kicking off the season with a new football kit. Chester Nomads under 9s Colts team has a new kit thanks to sponsorship from Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers. Established in 1904, Chester Nomads is an FA Charter Standard football club, home to 21 teams ranging from age six to over 35’s. The new kit, which will be worn by the team for the next two seasons, has Ellis & Co’shttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/chester-accountants-keep-local-football-team-on-the-field/
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTBe prepared… tax return season is loomingThe secret to getting ahead is getting started, as the saying goes… and the season of the tax return is looming. Personal tax, partnership tax and trust tax returns all need to be filed by January 31, 2020. “January may seem a long way off, but filing your tax return sooner rather than later will give you more time to save or obtain finance for any tax payment,” said Peter Way-Rider, tax manager at Ellis & Co. “Be sure nothttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/be-prepared-tax-return-season-is-looming/
Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTHMRC maintenance to close service for VAT this weekendThe Making Tax Digital (MTD) service for VAT will be closed this coming weekend and into Monday. HMRC has announced that ‘scheduled maintenance’ will take place from Saturday, September 21 at 10.15am until Monday, September 23 at 4pm. During this period, customers and their agents will be unable to: Sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT, Create an Agent services account (although all other Agent services will be available),https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/hmrc-maintenance-to-close-service-for-vat-this-weekend/
Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTFull house at Chester networking eventA networking event held in the heart of Chester has been hailed a ‘huge success’ by its organisers. Thursday is the New Friday Networking, is an event organised by NatWest, Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce. The informal event, at the Abode Chester on Thursday, September 12, saw over 60 business owners and professionals in attendance. “This is thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/09/full-house-at-chester-networking-event/
Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMTBe prepared for changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35)Changes to the off-payroll working rules (IR35) will come into force from April 6, 2020. IR35 rules apply for workers who provide a service to a business, but aren’t actually employed by that business, for example directors of contractor-style limited companies. Providing services through an intermediary, the worker will have his/her own personal service company / partnership or a managed service company. The IR35 rules ensurehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/08/be-prepared-for-changes-to-the-off-payroll-working-rules-ir35/
Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co client news: MBE honour for nutritionistThe founder of a B2B food and nutrition consultancy has received an honour from the Queen. Barbara Bray, director of Alo Solutions Ltd, was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this summer. Barbara, an independent registered nutritionist and food safety consultant, received the award for services to food nutrition. “It was a huge surprise to receive a nomination for the Queens Birthday Honours list and I was inchttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/08/ellis-and-co-client-news-mbe-honour-for-nutritionist/
Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTGetting your financial planning ready for universityA staggering 275,520 young people applied to start university this September. The figures, released by UCAS, shows a 1 per cent increase on 2018 applications, based on full time UCAS Undergraduate programmes. Although an exciting time for students, the costs of university can be a financial worry for many parents. With fees of up to £9,250 and accommodation costs of around £5,000 per year, a student starting at university thishttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/08/getting-your-financial-planning-ready-for-university/
Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTAnother trophy for Chester’s skating accountantEllis & Co’s very own skating star is celebrating after winning a world-wide competition. Alice Williamson, a trainee accountant at the firm, successfully competed in the World Open Inline Figure Skating Championships 2019. The competition, which was held in Fasano, Italy in July saw the all-female team of 10 from Altrincham pick up the winning trophy in the Synchronized Adult Free Skating category. Alice, who has been athttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/08/another-trophy-for-chester-s-skating-accountant/
Thu, 29 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co welcomes new employeeEllis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has welcomed a new member of staff to its Chester office. James Ellis, has joined the team on Northgate Street, as accounts senior and auditor. Thirty one year-old James, who is a Chartered Accountant, is the son of Ellis & Co founder and director Robert Ellis. James, who has previously worked for Bank of America and BDO LLP, will be responsible for the planning, ehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/ellis-and-co-welcomes-new-employee/
Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTJuly’s client case study: Daulby ReadOn Lower Bridge Street, Chester, you will find a team of expert consultants providing a personal support network to businesses across Cheshire and North Wales. The company’s aim remains the same as it was when establishing in 1975… to make insurance personal. “We are an independent insurance broker, providing specialist business insurance and comprehensive personal cover, said Peter Goddard, managing director of Daulby Read. “https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/july-s-client-case-study-daulby-read/
Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants help raise thousands for hospiceKind hearted businesses from Cheshire and North Wales have raised more than £20,000 for a local hospice. Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers joined 19 businesses to take part in The Hospice of the Good Shepard’s 30th Anniversary Corporate Challenge. Each team had three months to turn a £50 starter fund into as much money as possible. The team at Ellis & Co raised hundreds of pounds for the hospice byhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/chester-accountants-help-raise-thousands-for-hospice/
Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTHMRC urges businesses to sign up for Making Tax Digital before August (1)More than one million businesses will be required by law to submit their first VAT return to HMRC using accountancy software in time for the August deadline. Businesses with an annual turnover of £85,000 (with VAT periods starting on or after April 1) must sign up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) before August 7 VAT filing date, or by Monday, July 29 if paying by direct debit. Originally announced in March 2015 Budget by George Osbhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/hmrc-urges-businesses-to-sign-up-for-making-tax-digital-before-august-1/
Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTDo we have your permission?Did you know we need to have your permission to speak to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)? As your agent, Ellis & Co is unable to speak to HMRC about your tax accounts or payroll without your permission. In order for Ellis & Co to speak to HMRC on your behalf you need to complete a 64-8 form. The 64-8 form covers authorisation for individual tax affairs (partnerships, trusts, tax credits and individuals under PAYE) and buhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/do-we-have-your-permission/
Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTOpen banking - have you switched?Certain bank feeds attached to accountancy software packages will no longer work come September. The industry-wide change comes thanks to the introduction of Open Banking regulations, which means third party bank feed providers such as Yodlee will not work as of September 14. Open Banking allows you to share data and financial information without sharing login details or passwords, it also promises to offer improved reliabilithttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/open-banking-have-you-switched/
Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co advisor passes the masterclass! (1)A software specialist from Chester has become an accredited expert in accountancy software. Anna Rowson-Smith, from Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has successfully completed the FreeAgent Expert Accreditation exam. FreeAgent is an award winning accounting software, designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses, freelancers and contractors. The masterclass focused on the advanced featurhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/ellis-and-co-advisor-passes-the-masterclass-1/
Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTHave you renewed your tax credits?With only seven days to go, more than 760,000 people are still to renew their tax credits. HMRC is warning that if renews aren’t made by the deadline of Wednesday, July 31 payments will stop. “The 31 July deadline is fast approaching and renewing your tax credits is something too important to forget,” said Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s director general of Customer services. “HMRC support is available at all times of the day and nihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/have-you-renewed-your-tax-credits/
Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co celebrates 30 years in businessEllis & Co celebrated its 30th anniversary in style last week. The firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, was established by Robert Ellis in 1989 when he set out build a firm that would ‘support its clients’. Thirty years on Ellis & Co is one of the leading accountants and advisers in Chester and Wrexham. The firm marked its 30th year in business with a celebratory event at Chester’s Restaurant1539, withhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/ellis-and-co-celebrates-30-years-in-business/
Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester women’s network back this September!A popular women’s networking group will be holding its next event on Wednesday, September 25. Founded in 2013, West Cheshire Women’s Network provides an opportunity for businesswomen to come together. Co-hosted by Natwest PLC, Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce and Cheshire West and Chester Council; the group meet four times a year with a different guhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/07/chester-women-s-network-back-this-september/
Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants get their charity golf day off to a tee!Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers held its seventh annual golf day, raising funds for a local charity.
The event, held at Sutton Hall Golf Club in Sutton Weaver, attracted representatives from an array of companies from across the North West and North Wales.
The event, held Teams of four battled it out across an 18 hole, 6618 yard, 72 par golf course.
The overall winners, who each walked away with ahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/06/chester-accountants-get-their-charity-golf-day-off-to-a-tee/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTJune's client case study: Cheshire Digital Skills AcademyTwo former teachers have jumped from the world of white boards and marking into the world of Microsoft and training.
Jayne Muspratt and Bev Cowperthwaite took a step away from the ‘classroom’ to set up their own business in September 2017.
Launched in March 2018, Cheshire Digital Skills Academy is a new and exciting company aiming to address the digital skills gap in Chester, and the surrounding areas.
Digital skills are behttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/06/junes-client-case-study-cheshire-digital-skills-academy/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester pupil tests out the world of accountingA Chester high school pupil swapped the classroom for an accountancy practice to gain an insight into the world of work.
Christleton High School pupil Sam Webb, visited Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers on a work experience placement.
Sam, 17, met Ellis & Co’s trainee accountant Nick Clarke during a careers day ran by the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Young Chamber team.
“Ihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/06/chester-pupil-tests-out-the-world-of-accounting/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTAward Winning Entrepreneur Inspires Cheshire Business WomenAN award winning entrepreneur took centre stage at a women’s networking event. Emma Elston MBE, co-founder and director of UK Container Maintenance gave an ‘inspirational’ talk to local businesswomen at the Holiday Inn Chester South on June 13. Founded in 2013, the West Cheshire Women’s Network provides an opportunity for businesswomen to come together. Co-hosted by Natwest PLC, Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Busineshttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/06/award-winning-entrepreneur-inspires-cheshire-business-women/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTAny expenses or benefits to declare? The deadline is looming!If you’re an employer and need to report your expenses and benefits for your employees and directors, you will need to complete a P11D form and then submit a P11D(b) form to HM Revenue & Customs by July 6, 2019. The benefits and expenses you can claim on fall within the following 14 sections: Section A – Assets Transferred (cars, property, good or other assets) Section B – Payments made on behalf of the employee Section Chttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/06/any-expenses-or-benefits-to-declare-the-deadline-is-looming/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTResearch & Development, are you missing out?Millions of businesses are missing out on valuable tax breaks each year. This is because many businesses don’t know they can claim Research & Development (R&D) Tax Relief, or how to go about it. R&D Tax Relief came into effect in 2010 with the aim to encourage UK based companies to spend more on Research and Development. SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees) and large companies can claim back a percentage ohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/06/research-and-development-are-you-missing-out/
Thu, 27 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMTMBE to speak at women's eventNorthwest Female Entrepreneur of the Year Emma Elston MBE will be the guest speaker at the West Cheshire Women’s Network this June.
Emma Elston, co-founder and director of UK Container Maintenance, will be speaking at the West Cheshire Women’s Networking event on Thursday, June 13.
Emma, who set up her business at the age of 23, was awarded in the New Year Honour’s list in 2015 for her services to manufacturing.
Founded inhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/mbe-to-speak-at-womens-event/
Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants raise hundreds for HospiceTwo members of the team at Ellis & Co are celebrating after successfully completing two local sporting events.
John Farrell, senior accountant at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers; and Glenda Hall, payroll assistant have raised hundreds of pounds for the Hospice of the Good Shepard.
John took part in his first triathlon, the Cheshire Triathlon, on Sunday, May 12; whilst Glenda ran in the Chesterhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/chester-accountants-raise-hundreds-for-hospice/
Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTHigh Income Child Benefit ChargeIf you have a personal income of over £50,000 you may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. The tax charge will affect an individual if they, or their partner, receives child benefit or someone else gets Child Benefit for a child living with you and they contribute at least an equal amount towards the child’s upkeep.* “If you think you will be affected by this tax charge, you can choose to no longer receive Child Bhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/high-income-child-benefit-charge/
Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTTax Tip: Donations to charityDid you know a higher rate tax payer can reduce the amount of income tax they pay by donating to charity? If you pay tax above the basic rate, you can claim the difference between the rate you pay and basic rate on your donation. You can do this either: Through your self-assessment tax return Asking HMRC to amend your tax code “If you donated £150 to charity, the charity can claim Gift Aid to make your donation £187.50,” saihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/tax-tip-donations-to-charity/
Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTBe more tax-efficient, employ a family member!In 2016 there were 4.8 million family-run businesses in the UK, making up 87.6% of all private sector firms.* Setting up a family-run business has many benefits, but did you know that employing a family member can help reduce your tax bills? If you are trading as a limited company, employing your spouse or partner can be particularly tax-efficient. “Paying your spouse or partner a salary (between £118 and £166 a week), dividenhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/be-more-tax-efficient-employ-a-family-member/
Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTName and Shame listingsAlmost 240 employers featured on HMRCs ‘name and shame’ listings in the summer of 2018. The list identified businesses who were underpaying National Minimum Wage to their workers. Those businesses involved were instructed to pay back £1.44m to 22,400 workers, whilst also incurring fines of £1.97m.* Businesses were underpaying their workers by: Deducting uniform costs from wages Underpaying apprentices Misusing the accommodatihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/name-and-shame-listings/
Thu, 23 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT‘Amazing support’ for networking event in ChesterA networking event held in the heart of Chester has been hailed a ‘huge success’ by its organisers.
Thursday is the New Friday Networking, is an event organised by NatWest, Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce.
The informal event, at the Abode Chester on Thursday, May 2, saw over 70 business owners and professionals in attendance.
“This is the shttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/05/amazing-support-for-networking-event-in-chester/
Tue, 07 May 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester accountants swap calculators for trainers (1)Three employees at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers are swapping their calculators for trainers to raise funds for a local hospice.
Glenda Hall, John Farrell and Nick Clark, all from Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, are competing in events to raise money for The Hospice of the Good Shepard.
The hospice provides palliative care for residents of Cheshire West and Chester andhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/chester-accountants-swap-calculators-for-trainers-1/
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTHMRC warning over springtime tax scamsHMRC is warning taxpayers to be extra vigilant after a high number of springtime refund scams.
During April and May, fraudsters posed as HMRC offering refunds to taxpayers by email or text; encouraging people to provide bank details, in exchange for a payment worth hundreds of pounds.
Last Spring alone, HMRC received around 250,000 reports of tax scams — which is nearly 2,500 a day — and requested that over 6,000 phishing wehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/hmrc-warning-over-springtime-tax-scams/
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co become cyber savvy!A Chester and Wrexham based accountants has passed its ISAME Governance and Cyber Essentials assessments.
Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers worked together with Chester based Protos Networks to become fully certified.
The IASME Governance standard was developed over several years during a government backed scheme to create a cyber security standard which would be an affordable and achievable alternathttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/ellis-and-co-become-cyber-savvy/
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester firm of accountants makes top 100 listWe are celebrating here at Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants after making it into the 'Top 100 Accountants Digital Marketing Performance' list.
The list, composed by fibreCRM, began six months ago with 25,000 accountancy firms across the UK, each firm was given a score on marketing performance with the final 100 list announced on April 26.
Criteria for assessing digital marketing performance was taken from company pages ohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/chester-firm-of-accountants-makes-top-100-list/
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTHow much can I save in an ISA this tax year?Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are one of the most popular ways to save. With exemption from income tax and capital gains tax it’s easy to see why they are the main choice for savers. The ISA savings limit for the tax year 2019/20 is frozen at last year’s limit of £20,000, meaning you can pay up to £20,000 into one ISA account (or across multiple ISA accounts) tax-free. There are five main types of ISA: cash ISA, Help tohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/how-much-can-i-save-in-an-isa-this-tax-year/
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTChanges to personal allowance and income tax ratesAn increase in the personal allowance rate will see millions of people in the UK paying less tax as of this month. The tax free personal allowance increased from £11,850 to £12,500 on April 6, 2019. A typical taxpayer will be paying £130 a year less than last year. The threshold for higher rate tax will also increase from £46,350 to £50,000. Income tax rate bands have also changed for the new tax year, as shown in the table behttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/changes-to-personal-allowance-and-income-tax-rates/
Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTChester trainee accountant takes on Manchester and wins!A Chester based trainee accountant is celebrating after completing his first marathon.
Nick Clark, 22, from Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers completed the Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday, April 7.
“It was very tough, I’m aching all over, but it was a fantastic experience,” said Nick, who completed the marathon in 4 hours, 11 minutes and 21 seconds.
Nick joined over 20,000 runners on the 26.2https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/04/chester-trainee-accountant-takes-on-manchester-and-wins/
Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co case study: Farndon Heating Solutions LtdA family plumbing and heating business is working hard to keep Chester homes cosy and leak free.
Established in 2008 by Les Norman, Farndon Heating Solutions Ltd has gone from strength to strength.
The now team of seven, including Les’s son Lewis Norman, are domestic and commercial engineers who specialise in gas, oil and LPG.
Although the business is much more than ‘plumbing and heating’, with daily installs, maintenance ahttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/ellis-and-co-case-study-farndon-heating-solutions-ltd/
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co advisor joins top achieversA software specialist from Chester has joined an elite group of advisors in the UK.
Anna Rowson-Smith, from Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has successfully completed an advanced certification in accountancy software, passed by only 20% of those who undertake the exam.
QuickBooks Online is the world’s No. 1 online accounting solution with 3.6 million subscribers worldwide and the UK's No. 1 partnerhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/ellis-and-co-advisor-joins-top-achievers/
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTCompany cars - fuel rates fallHMRC’s advisory fuel rates have dropped. The new rates, which began on March 1, 2019 only apply when you: Reimburse employees for business travel in their company cars Require employees to repay the cost of fuel used for private travel* The rates for almost all cars and vans has fallen, diesel cars of up to 1,600cc and fully electric cars remain unchanged. Engine size Petrol – amount per mile LPG – amount per milehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/company-cars-fuel-rates-fall/
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTChecklist: Year End tax planningIn financial services, spring means two things; the Spring Statement and the end of the tax year on Friday, April 5. It’s important to carry out financial planning before the end of the tax year, this is so you can make the most of your tax allowances and organise your tax affairs as efficiently as possible. Individual savings accounts Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are one of the most popular ways to save. With exemptionhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/checklist-year-end-tax-planning/
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTA few changes in payroll this AprilThe new tax year will see a number of changes in the world of payroll. As of April 2019 the National Minimum Wage will increase, as will Statutory Sick Pay, and Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Pay. The rate of pension contributions will also increase and all employees will have the right to receive an itemised pay statement. Here is what you need to know: National Minimum/Living Wage The rates for both National Minimum Wagehttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/a-few-changes-in-payroll-this-april/
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTAre you in control of your business?THREE Chester based businesses have joined forces to offer free advice to businesses this April.
Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Luminate Ventures and Jolliffe & Co Solicitors will be holding a free seminar entitled Are you in Control of your Business?
The seminar will be held on Tuesday, April 23 at The Holiday Inn, Chester South.
“Developing your own business is an exciting and challenginghttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/are-you-in-control-of-your-business/
Tue, 26 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTThursday is the new Friday networkingCome and celebrate the final stretch of the week with NatWest, Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce for an informal networking opportunity in the heart of Chester.
This is a completely FREE networking opportunity for business owners, professionals and colleagues.
We will be offering a free drink upon arrival.
The networking event will be held onhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/thursday-is-the-new-friday-networking/
Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTSpring Statement 2019: A Special ReportWhen we write these reports on the chancellor’s Budget speeches – and, more latterly, his Spring Statements – we always try and put them in the relevant political and economic context.
This year it is impossible not to put the Spring Statement in a political context. On Monday night, the Prime Minister flew to Strasbourg and yet another meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker. She claimed to have secured a ‘legally binding’ agreemenhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/spring-statement-2019-a-special-report/
Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTMaking Tax Digital – have you made the switch? Sign up for our free seminar with Natwest and FreeAgentHMRC's plan to modernise the tax system will begin this April.
VAT registered businesses with a turnover above £85,000 will be the first group to adhere to the changes.
Businesses will have to maintain their accounting records in digital form, and file their VAT returns via accounting software.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a £1.3bn investment programme that will mark a fundamental change in the way that businesses interacthttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/making-tax-digital-have-you-made-the-switch-sign-up-for-our-free-seminar-with-natwest-and-freeagent/
Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTWelsh rates of Income TaxFrom April 6, 2019 all people living in Wales and who pay Income Tax will pay Welsh rates of Income Tax.
PAYE individuals resident in Wales will receive a new tax code with a suffix ‘C’, including individuals whose income is below the tax threshold.
Self-employed individuals who file an online tax return will be asked to note their country of residence when filing their 2019-20 tax returns.
It is important that you informhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/welsh-rates-of-income-tax/
Wed, 13 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTBrexit causing delays for late filing penalty noticesHMRC have advised that they will be late in issuing self-assessment late filing penalty notices this year due to Brexit.
HMRC usually issue the £100 late filing penalty notice for self-assessment returns not filed by January 31 in February.
This means that taxpayers who have missed the filing deadline receive a reminder before daily penalties start to apply on May 1 (3 months after the filing deadline).
This year, due to Bhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/03/brexit-causing-delays-for-late-filing-penalty-notices/
Wed, 13 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMTWomen's network returns for another year!Organisers of the West Cheshire Women’s Network are gearing up for the first event of 2019 on Thursday, March 14.
The first guest speaker of the year will be Helen Nellist, deputy principal/deputy chief executive officer at Cheshire College South & West.
Helen will take to the stage to discuss her career journey.
Founded in 2013, West Cheshire Women’s Network provides an opportunity for businesswomen to come together.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/womens-network-returns-for-another-year/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTPhishing warning over tax rebatesFraudsters are taking advantage of the end of the ‘tax return season’.
Although the personal tax return filing deadline has come to an end, there has been a steady increase in the number of scam emails and SMS-messages promising tax rebates.
Fraudsters are trying to trick people into disclosing their account and personal details by distributing phishing campaigns pretending to be from HMRC.
A phishing campaign is when fraudhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/phishing-warning-over-tax-rebates/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTFunded access to business growth support for Cheshire SMESA new project is offering funded business growth support with access to state-of-the-art, equipment and bespoke innovation workshops and masterclasses.
The Innovation to Commercialisation (I2C) project supports innovation in small businesses through design, prototyping and testing.
The ERDF funded project delivered by the University of Chester helps eligible SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprise) to introduce innovation tohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/funded-access-to-business-growth-support-for-cheshire-smes/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTJanuary's client case study: Essentials Mag LimitedAs the saying goes – hard work pays off, and for one Wrexham based publisher this is certainly the case.
Within only two years, Victoria Heathfield, owner and director of Essentials Mag Limited, has doubled the size of her business, growing from two magazines with a circulation of 6,500, to three magazines and a circulation of 13,600.
Established in 2005 Essentials Mag is an independent publishing/advertising company, produchttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/januarys-client-case-study-essentials-mag-limited/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTMaking Tax Digital – are you ready?From 2019 interaction with HMRC will become increasingly digital, with businesses using Cloud accountancy software packages to record business activity.
The end of the tax return is nigh, digital tax is to become a reality… are you ready?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a £1.3bn investment programme that will mark a fundamental change in the way that businesses interact with HMRC.
Spreadsheets will no longer be the norm and sofhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/making-tax-digital-are-you-ready/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTTransfer of marriage allowancesMarriage allowance lets you transfer £1,190 of your personal allowance to your husband/wife/civil partner – if they warn more than you. This reduces their tax by up to £238 in the tax year (April 6 to April 5the next year). In order to qualify you must: Be married / in a civil partnership One spouse/partner must earn below the personal allowance of £11,850 Your partner pays income tax at the basic rate, with an income betweenhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/transfer-of-marriage-allowances/
Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co supports mock interview day at Christleton High SchoolEllis & Co’s latest recruit headed back to school to take part in an apprenticeship mock interview day.
Trainee accountant Nick Clark, joined three other Young Chamber sponsors on Friday, February 8 at Christleton High School.
Nick and the other sponsors helped to equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge for future education and work interviews.
The event began with a networking breakfast, followed by a 60https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/ellis-and-co-supports-mock-interview-day-at-christleton-high-school/
Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTFinalists announced for High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise AwardsThe cream of the county’s business community has been unveiled, with the announcement of the finalists for the High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards in the build up to the annual evening on Thursday, March 28 at Chester Racecourse.
The High Sheriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards judges are visiting and interviewing finalists and are in the process of making recommendations for the presentation event.
A new category – Highttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/02/finalists-announced-for-high-sheriff-of-cheshire-enterprise-awards/
Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co case study: Sewells Training and Consultancy LimitedHaving worked with some of the world’s most respected companies including Honda, Shell and BT, it’s no surprise Sewells Training and Consultancy Limited is the leader in its field.
Sewells, a business improvement organisation, specialises in helping businesses optimise their overall performance and results through positively changing the mind-sets and attitudes of everyone in the organisation through mastering the fundamentalhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/ellis-and-co-case-study-sewells-training-and-consultancy-limited/
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTOver 200,000 parents could be missing out on State Pension according to HMRCHM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has written to the Treasury Committee to raise concerns about the risk of parents, where one person doesn’t work, losing out on their State Pension.
Registering for Child Benefit builds up State Pension entitlement for parents of children under 12 who do not already pay National Insurance contributions (e.g. because they decide to stay at home to look after their children).
If the parent doesn’thttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/over-200-000-parents-could-be-missing-out-on-state-pension-according-to-hmrc/
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co welcomes new trainee to its Chester officeEllis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has welcomed a new member of staff to its Chester office.
Nick Clark, has joined the team on Northgate Street, as a trainee accountant.
Twenty one-year-old Nick, from Trearddur Bay, Anglesey recently graduated from a three year degree course at the University of Chester.
Nick graduated with the highest marks on his accounting and finance degree from the University’shttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/ellis-and-co-welcomes-new-trainee-to-its-chester-office/
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTD-day for Tax ReturnsToday, Thursday, January 31 is the deadline for sending 2017-18 self-assessment tax returns. If tax returns aren’t submitted by 11.59pm this evening, HMRC will impose a £100 penalty – even if the person doesn’t owe any tax. The penalties for late tax returns are: 1 day late an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time 3 months late, additional daily penaltieshttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/d-day-for-tax-returns/
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT3.5 million taxpayers have one week left to file their tax returnsMore than 3.5 million people have yet to file their self assessment tax returns and pay any tax owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). As of January 22, HMRC had received 8,063,550 returns, with 3,500,813 returns still to file by next week’s deadline of 11.59pm on Thursday, January 31. Last year more than 93% of customers filed their returns by the deadline. HMRC is reminding customers that if their tax return is late, they wihttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/35-million-taxpayers-have-one-week-left-to-file-their-tax-returns/
Thu, 24 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTMy boiler had broken and my fingers were too cold to type”Only a week to go until the deadline for sending 2017-18 self-assessment tax returns. Not only is Thursday, January 31st the final day for completing tax returns online, it is also the day HMRC begin to receive unusual excuses from people who failed to complete their returns on time. The excuses made by self-assessment customers include: “I’m too short to reach the post box”; “I was just too busy – my first maid left, my seconhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/my-boiler-had-broken-and-my-fingers-were-too-cold-to-type/
Tue, 22 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMTTick tock, tick tock...The clock is ticking, the deadline for filing your Tax Returns is looming. Be sure not to miss the deadline date of Thursday, January 31, 2019 or you could be joining millions of others in the UK and incur an automatic fine of £100. “Failing to file your tax return on time will cost you £100, you will pay more the later it gets,” said Peter Way-Rider, tax manager at Ellis & Co. “You will also receive a fine if you fail tohttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2019/01/tick-tock-tick-tock/
Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT2018: A Review by Robert EllisAnother year has passed, and what an eventful year it’s been… we won’t mention Brexit!
Robert Ellis, Director of Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, takes us on a whistle stop tour of the year that was 2018.
It’s been a year of change here for us at Ellis & Co; the major change has been the way in which we correspond with our clients, which also keeps us within the new GDPR guidelines.
Exchanginghttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2018/12/2018-a-review-by-robert-ellis/
Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMTFull house for Christmas networkingChester businesswomen kicked off the festive season with snowmen, mince pies and a Christmas quiz.
The West Cheshire Women’s Network held its final event of the year at the Holiday Inn, Chester South on Thursday, November 29.
Founded in 2013, the West Cheshire Women’s Network provides an opportunity for businesswomen to come together, discuss best practice, listen to inspirational speakers and have valuable networking time.https://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2018/12/full-house-for-christmas-networking/
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMTEllis & Co welcomes new employee to its Chester officeEllis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has welcomed a new member of staff to its Chester office.
Glenda Hall, has joined the team on Northgate Street, as payroll assistant.
Fifty year-old Glenda, who has worked in payroll for almost 30 years, joins the team from Carden Park Hotel, where she worked for the past 15 years.
Her duties at Ellis & Co include: processing all aspects of payroll; administerhttps://www.ellis-uk.com/news/2018/11/ellis-and-co-welcomes-new-employee-to-its-chester-office/
Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT